Met Police receive 4,000 riot compensation claims

Police and Fire crews in Clapham Junction following the riots. Picture: MayorWatchLondon’s police authority has received almost 4,000 compensation claims for damage caused in London during August’s riots.

Under the Riots (Damages) Act, which dates back to 1886, the Metropolitan Police Authority must pay compensation for damage to buildings and their contents within the area covered by the Metropolitan Police Service.

The Authority has received over 3,844 claims for compensation.

In a joint statement, the MPA and MPS say they are working “as speedily as possible” to process claims from uninsured claimants.

Businesses and householders with insurance must seek compensation from their insurers who are then able to seek reimbursement from the MPA.

Police forces across the UK are facing multi-million payouts while having to implement budget cuts as part of the coalition’s austerity measures.